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The Best Accessories for Your iPhone and iPad

Updated February 21, 2018

Your guides

Dan Frakes

Nick Guy

Wirecutter Staff

Here at Wirecutter, we’ve spent hundreds of hours over the past few years testing hundreds of iPhone and iPad accessories to find the best ones. You’ll find all our picks, and more, in this guide to the best add-ons for your iPhone and iPad. While those devices are our favorite smartphone and favorite tablet, respectively, they can do a lot more—and they can help you do your favorite things better, longer, and more safely—with the right accessories.

When it comes to guarding the newest iPhones, the Silk Base Grip offers everything we need. The one-piece plastic case is slim, protective, and flexible, and the textured edges and rubbery back panel give you just enough for the phone to feel comfortable and secure in your grip without making it difficult to slide in or out of your pockets. The lip around the screen is tall enough to protect your screen if and when you place it face-down on a desk, and it also includes a screen-protector film just in case.

The Silk Base Grip’s minimalist design is simple and attractive—although that might not be ideal for anyone who wants their phone to stand out in a crowd. Still, when it comes to finding a balance between bulkiness, protection, and price, the Silk Base Grip is second to none. If you’re interested in more protection, cooler designs such as folios and leather, or storage for your cards and cash, check out our full guide to the best iPhone X cases.

Silk’s Base Grip is the best all-around iPhone 7/8 and iPhone 7/8 Plus case for most people. We know from years of feedback from readers, staff, and even family and friends that most people want a case that’s slim, plainly designed, reliably protective, and inexpensive. That’s exactly what you get with the Base Grip.

A one-piece case made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane, a flexible plastic), the Base Grip has just enough give to make it easy to install, yet it isn’t so loose that the sides pull away—something that can be a problem with inferior cases. The back panel is slightly rough, with a pebbled finish on the edges for a good grip. It’s just the right amount of texture, offering extra security while you’re holding the phone without making the case feel weird or unpleasant. The buttons feel great, and the openings are perfectly sized.

After surveying almost 1,000 Wirecutter readers and spending 50 hours testing close to 100 iPhone 6 cases, we chose the Incipio NGP Case for iPhone 6 and 6s as the best all-around case; we also love the iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus version. (Cases for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus will also fit the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus.) The NGP offers full-body protection from drops and scuffs, as well as a close fit that doesn’t detract from the phone’s svelte dimensions. Including the protective lip around the screen, the case adds a little more than 2 millimeters to the total thickness of the handset, which is about half the extra thickness of our previous pick, Speck’s CandyShell. The NGP’s slim, shock-absorbent design offers the best compromise between protection and aesthetics.

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Cases for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus also fit the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. With few exceptions, however, cases for 6-series iPhones won’t fit the iPhone 7 series.

As with all good cases, the NGP includes properly aligned openings for all ports and jacks, and the case’s full coverage doesn’t dampen the tactile clicking sensation of the phone’s buttons. You can also press those buttons without having to exert notably more pressure—this is important because even a little unpleasantness in a single action can add up to a lot of annoyance when you repeat that action dozens of times each day. And the openings for the headphone port and microphone (a 6-millimeter-diameter circle, narrowing to 4 mm) and for the Lightning port (13.5 mm wide and 6 mm across) offer plenty of room for most third-party plugs and connectors.

If you’re looking for something more protective, dockable, super-thin, or versatile, we have other recommendations in our full guide to iPhone 6 cases. —Nick Guy

For everyday use, most iPhone owners don’t need the level of protection a waterproof case provides. But for those people who do, the best such case for the iPhone 6 and 6s is the LifeProof Frē. (Read on for our pick for the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus.)

After 10 hours of research to narrow the field down to 11 finalists, plus real-world testing in a pool and in a rushing river in Vail, Colorado, we can safely say that the Frē offers the best combination of performance, aesthetics, and price in a relatively small market. We’d feel more comfortable bringing our phone to the beach or the slopes in this case than in any of the other options we tested.

In our tests, the Frē kept water out, which is clearly the most important quality for a waterproof case. (If it keeps water out, it will also keep out dust, dirt, and sand.) The Frē is also the thinnest and lightest waterproof model we tested, so you can use this case as your everyday protector if you need to, and inserting your phone and removing it is relatively easy. And unlike with some other cases, the Frē doesn’t make the iPhone’s buttons more difficult to press, and the case only minimally affects the touchscreen sensitivity. LifeProof offers the case in a number of colors, helping to broaden its appeal.

LifeProof’s Nüüd is a good alternative pick. It offers the same level of protection for a higher price, minus the screen cover—a rubber ring surrounds the edges of the iPhone’s glass to form a seal. This design allows direct access to the phone’s glass display while still keeping the case watertight. (As scary as this design sounds, it worked well in our testing.)

For the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus, we like Seidio’s Obex. Similar to the Frē for the iPhone 6 and almost all of the other cases we tried, it has a built-in plastic screen protector and offers a high level of protection, but it doesn’t degrade any of the 6 Plus’s functionality. We picked the Obex over the Nüüd for the iPhone 6 Plus because one of our review units of the latter leaked in testing. -NG

A glass screen protector can’t guarantee that you won’t break your iPhone’s screen. But it can prevent the screen from getting scratched, and scratches can affect glass’ structural integrity and make cracks more likely. Glass is more protective than film, and it comes closer to the look and feel of the iPhone’s own display.

Luckily, you don’t have to spend as much as a video game costs on a good glass screen protector for your iPhone. In fact, after testing eight models, we found the least expensive option to be the best: TechMatte’s amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector (in versions for iPhone 7, 6s, and 6 and iPhone 7 Plus, 6s Plus, and 6 Plus) covers the entire active area of the iPhone’s display, something not all protectors can claim, and costs a tenth of what popular brands charge.

It’s as scratch resistant as anything else we tested, it’s crystal clear, and fingerprints wipe right off. We saw no issues with clarity or brightness, and we quickly got used to the protector being on the phone. The touchscreen’s responsiveness wasn’t affected in any way, as it still recognized even the slightest brush of a finger, and we had no issues using the phone’s pressure-sensitive 3D Touch feature. We found installation to be easy enough, and we appreciate all the cleaning tools included in the box (the amFilm screen protector came with two sets of wet and dry wipes for cleaning the screen, a small dust-free cloth, six dust-removal stickers that you can also use to apply the protector using the “hinge method,” and a sturdy cardboard bubble remover). And even if you get a speck of dust under the glass on your first attempt, it’s not that big of a deal, because you get two amFilm protectors in each package. -NG

There aren’t many noteworthy cases for the latest 9.7-inch iPad yet, and even fewer from established brand names. The best option for simple, inexpensive, slim protection is Moko’s Ultra Slim. We’ve recommended this case in the past for some other iPad models, and we think it’s the best case for most people for this one. It has everything we’re looking for in a case, at a very affordable price: It offers full coverage, has a sturdy lid that doesn’t move around or come open when you don’t want it too, and looks pretty nice, too. —NG

We tested 18 cases for the iPad Pro using the same criteria we used for other iPad case models, ultimately finding two designs we liked. Khomo’s Dual (available for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro and for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro) is the way to go if you want a simple, protective case. Consisting of a hard-plastic back and a flexible, polyurethane screen cover, it fits well, offers all-over protection, remains easy to remove if necessary, and has a sturdy cover that stays in place but also holds its shape when you flip it around as a stand. The Dual doesn’t cover the iPad Pro’s buttons, but the cases we tested that did weren’t as good in other respects.

Moko’s Ultra Slim for the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch (2nd generation) iPad Pro is identical to our pick for the 5th-generation 9.7-inch iPad. When it came down to selecting a case that offered the best combination of a clean design, premium-feeling material, and proper coverage of the iPad’s body, we concluded that the Moko Ultra Slim was the best we tested. Its design is an improvement on previous Moko cases, so we don’t expect to see chipping issues—we’ll be keeping an eye out for any during our long-term testing. At the time of our research, some early customer reviews on Amazon said the case’s cutouts weren’t properly aligned with the iPad’s buttons and camera, but the review units we ordered fit perfectly. Of course, some people want more protection for such expensive iPads, and we have those case picks in our full iPad cases guide. But for the majority of folks, this case will do the job without breaking the bank. —NG

If you’re looking to protect an iPad mini 4 from dings and scratches, we recommend Khomo’s Dual Case. Usually you can find it for $15 or less, and it offers an adequate amount of protection in 16 color combinations. Most of the iPad mini 4 cases we’ve found so far are cheap, but this one is the best of them, with a cover that stays in place even when you flip the case upside down, plus tightly tailored openings for the ports and buttons as well as a sound-boost feature that adds a few decibels to the volume output. —NG

iPad Air 2 cases

A good case for an iPad is just as important as one for an iPhone—maybe even more so for the functionality such a case can provide. We’ve found Apple’s Smart Case to be the best iPad Air 2 protective cover for most people. We reached this conclusion after spending 20 hours of research narrowing down the hundreds of available iPad cases using criteria such as corner and edge protection, button coverage, a front cover, and stand functionality, and ultimately testing 20 models. Since then, we’ve spent hundreds of hours on real-world use with our pick and the nearly identical version designed for the original iPad Air.

The Smart Case is the lightest case we looked at, and we found that the iPad is easier to hold in a Smart Case than in heavier cases. The Smart Case is also the only model we tested that offers complete coverage, including protection for the iPad’s buttons. You can fold the screen cover into a triangular stand that provides two comfortable (though nonadjustable) angles: an upright angle for viewing videos and photos, and a horizontal angle for on-screen typing. The Smart Case’s leather offers a much nicer-feeling finish than that of most cheaper cases, too. Some cases do a particular thing better than the Smart Case, whether that’s the level of protection or the amount of adjustability, but the Smart Case offers the best balance of performance, fit, and finish.

Like all the cases we tested, the Smart Case is a one-piece unit consisting of a semi-rigid rear shell that holds the iPad and an attached cover that protects the tablet’s screen. The shell is lined with microfiber except for the area corresponding to the radio antenna on cellular-enabled iPads; the interior of the case is smooth there. Installation is as easy as it gets, with the iPad popping into the case with relatively little force. A protective lip extends about 1 mm above the entire perimeter of the tablet’s screen. This lip isn’t as important as on an iPhone case, because a good iPad case already covers the tablet’s screen, but it’s still a nice touch if you happen to set the encased iPad facedown.

CaseCrown’s Omni is a great runner-up at an affordable price. Originally $40, the Omni sometimes sells for around $17 these days. The Omni offers most of the same features as the Smart Case with the exception of button coverage. The Omni’s upright viewing angle is slightly steeper, though, which can be annoying if you’re using your tablet in a cramped airplane seat. -NG

Good cases for the iPad mini 1, 2, and 3 are getting more difficult to find: Our past favorite, Apple’s Smart Case, has been discontinued, and many vendors have stopped making cases for older iPad mini models. If you need a new case for your old mini, we like the small version of our top pick for the iPad Pro, Khomo’s Dual Case for iPad mini 1 2 3. Like the iPad Pro version, it’s a simple case consisting of a hard-plastic back and a flexible, polyurethane screen cover. It fits and protects well, it looks pretty good, and its trifold cover is more stable in the upright position than the one on Apple’s Smart Case or on our previous runner-up pick for older minis, CaseCrown’s Omni. —NG

Waterproof gadget pouches

A $50-plus custom-fit, waterproof case for each of your gadgets is overkill if you need only occasional protection from the elements when you’re enjoying the beach, camping, lounging next to the pool or tub, or cooking in the kitchen. In these situations, a simple waterproof gadget pouch is enough. We’ve tried dozens of them over the years, and our favorite is Loksak’s eminently affordable aLoksak—a two-pack of pouches that fit the iPhone 6 costs less than $10.

Made of a type of polyethylene film, aLoksak bags are watertight and airtight, and while they’re officially “disposable,” their zip closure lets you open and reseal them over and over. (One Wirecutter editor has used an aLoksak daily for months, with an iPhone 6 Plus at the gym and while listening to music in the shower at home, and it’s still in good shape.) The bag will remind you of a Ziploc, but one that’s sturdy and watertight enough that you’ll feel comfortable entrusting it with your expensive electronics.

An aLoksak is thick enough to resist tearing while sitting next to your keys in your backpack but thin enough to let you easily use your device’s screen. While pouches like this (dozens use a similar design) offer a tougher build and a closure that’s less likely to pop open, they’re bulkier and more difficult to work with. The flexible aLoksak bags, in contrast, are comfortable to hold and allow you to tuck the excess material behind when, say, you’re using an iPad-sized pouch with your Kindle. The aLoksak is the only pouch out of the dozens we’ve tried that has both of these characteristics and remains consistently affordable. It’s also available across a full range of sizes: The company sells more than a dozen versions, from 3 by 6 inches (nice for an iPhone 6, 6s, or 7) all the way up to 12 by 50 (!), so you can find models for all of today’s popular phones, e-readers, and tablets—even those still in their own “everyday” cases.

Of course, aLoksak pouches aren’t survivalist dry bags. They use only a single seal rather than a double one, they lack a roll-top closure, and sharp objects will puncture them—they’re not designed for regular or extended underwater or extreme use. And because they’re essentially plastic pouches, they will rip under enough stress; a rigid case for extreme conditions has its merits. But for the kind of “I hope I don’t kill my phone on this beach trip” situations most people are more likely to find themselves in, an aLoksak is tough to beat. —Dan Frakes

Every device that needs a Lightning-to-USB cable for syncing and charging comes with one. But when it comes to buying extras or replacements, we recommend skipping Apple’s cords and going with Anker’s PowerLine Lightning Cable for half the price. We measured the charging speed of almost 50 cables and then sent the top 11 to former NASA electrical engineer Sam Gordon for teardown analysis. Anker’s cable offers the same high-speed data-transfer capabilities as Apple’s own and will charge any device, including an iPad, at full speed—as long as it’s plugged into the right charger, of course. And Anker’s cable is even more resistant to damage than Apple’s offering. (If you’re looking for longer or shorter cables, we have picks for those in our full guide.)

Though you can get cheaper Lightning cables, we limited our search to those with an MFi certification. That means the manufacturer is licensed by Apple and uses official connectors that are guaranteed to work. Even with this restriction, dozens of highly rated competitors are out there. We chose the Anker for a few reasons. The first is its aforementioned electrical capability. The second is its respectable length: The cable itself, measured from the inside of the USB plug to the inside of the Lightning-connector plug, is 34½ inches long. It’s about 4½ inches shorter than Apple’s 1-meter cable, but the two are close enough that you won’t notice a difference in most scenarios. Third, the Anker cord is also nice and malleable, so it’s less likely to suffer damage over time from being coiled up or moved around.

But our favorite part of the cable’s design is the stress-relief collar where the cord meets the Lightning-connector housing—a place where cables often break. (Apple’s cables are notorious for this.) “The purpose of the strain relief (the extra bit of plastic that extends beyond the plug) is to keep bending cables from putting too much stress on the solder joints within the connectors,” Gordon told us. Anker’s design combines the housing and collar into a single plastic unit, which is beneficial for a number of reasons: Plastic is sturdier than the rubber that many companies use here, and combining the housing and collar provides more support than when the two are separate, even when, as with the Anker cable, the overall “collar” isn’t as long as the stress-relief piece on some other cables. -NG

All of Apple’s iOS devices charge via USB, as do many accessories—and that means you probably have a separate USB charger for each. Wouldn’t you rather charge multiple devices at once without taking up precious outlets? Anker’s PowerPort 4 costs slightly more than Apple’s single-port 12W USB Power Adapter but can push out more than three times as much power and can charge four devices at once. In fact, it can simultaneously charge three full-size iPads at full speed while also charging a smartphone. We surveyed more than 1,100 Wirecutter readers, and they told us that they preferred chargers that plug directly into an outlet rather than using a long power cord, and this charger is the most powerful one we tested to do so. Additionally, Anker’s charger allows connected devices to draw the advertised amount of power; some competitors don’t. After using six iPads to test 19 top models, we can safely say it’s the best.

The Anker 40-watt four-port charger is narrower than Apple’s iPad charger but larger in its other dimensions because of its extra ports. It plugs directly into an outlet instead of using a detachable power cable, and it sports fold-up prongs that make it a bit more compact for packing and prevent the prongs from bending during travel.

Anker’s PowerIQ technology identifies what kind of device you’ve plugged into each port and delivers the proper amperage without your having to figure out the “right” USB port for each device. Each port also allows a power draw of up to 2.4 amps, which means every port will charge any device you plug into it, at full speed.

You might be wondering why we didn’t pick a charger with more ports or a higher amount of total power. That’s because 84 percent of the respondents to our reader survey said that three was the maximum number of devices they needed to be able to charge at once. With that in mind, we think the PowerPort 4 makes for the perfect pick. (But if you do need a charger with more ports and more power, we have picks for that, too.) -NG

We tested each of those 25 battery cases by fully charging them and then installing a completely drained iPhone set to Airplane mode. When the iPhone reached a 100 percent charge—or when it stopped charging—we removed it from the case. Assuming the battery case had remaining charge, we drained the phone’s battery and then installed the phone in the case a second time, noting the phone’s battery percentage when the case stopped charging it. We repeated the test a total of three times per case over the course of more than 170 hours.

The Ultra Slim Extended Battery Case is our pick for the iPhone 6 and 6s because it provides the greatest charge percentage per dollar (2.9 percent), which equates to the lowest price per full iPhone charge ($34.34). And in our tests, it provided 117 percent of a full iPhone charge, more than doubling the phone’s battery life. We also appreciate its slim design and lightweight body.

The Energi Sliding Power Case is something of a different story. Capable of delivering an 83 percent charge to the gigantic iPhone 6 Plus battery (just 9 percent less than the most powerful battery case we tested), this model is also notable because it has an inner case that you can separate from the charger. This means that if you don’t need the battery pack, you can remove it without leaving the phone unprotected. And the protective case is actually pretty good—it could compete with some of the stand-alone iPhone 6 Plus cases we recommend. -NG

USB battery packs

If you don’t want a bulky battery case, or if you want the flexibility to charge multiple devices, a USB battery pack (also known as a power bank) is a better option. These packs come in many different sizes.

The TravelCard Charger is lightweight and portable—almost thin enough to fit in a wallet—with a built-in Micro-USB cable to charge the TravelCard and a built-in Lightning-connector cable to charge your phone.

If you need more power, the Jackery Bolt is our pick for everyday use, offering more power in a larger but still relatively small package. It can charge most smartphones twice over from an integrated Micro-USB cable, an integrated Lightning-connector cable, or a standard USB port. If you want to be able to refill a phone completely after a busy day and need something slimmer than the Bolt, get our runner-up pick, the EasyAcc 6000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank.

Our larger pick, the Anker PowerCore 20100, can charge your phone every day for a week or keep a fleet of devices going for shorter stints. It’s a few ounces lighter than our previous large pick—the RAVPower 22000—and about 20 percent smaller, yet it still has 90 percent of the capacity of our older, larger pick.

AirPlay offers a great way to display your iOS device’s screen on a TV, but sometimes a wired connection is better. We haven’t found any great third-party options for physically connecting your iPhone or iPad to an external display or TV, owing in part to Apple’s MFi restrictions, but Apple’s own adapters work well. The company’s Lightning Digital AV Adapter and Lightning to VGA Adapter allow you to connect an HDMI or VGA adapter, respectively, to your iOS device while also letting you charge the device using its own Lightning-to-USB cable. However, given the high prices of these adapters, you might instead use the Apple TV, which itself connects to any TV or display with an HDMI cable and allows for AirPlay wireless streaming—and does a whole lot more—for another $19.

You can set your iPhone on your desk and plug it in to charge and sync, but a dock—a cradle or a similar accessory that holds your phone upright while it’s charging or syncing—is a nice upgrade.

Over the past few years, I’ve tested more than 25 docks for the iPhone 5, 6, and 7, and Twelve South’s HiRise 2 Deluxe for iPhone & iPad (also available in a non-Deluxe version that ships without the required cables for about $20 less) is easily my favorite. This attractive and stable dock works with any Lightning-connector iPhone (bare or in almost any iPhone case, including battery cases), keeps your phone’s headphone jack (assuming it has one) accessible, and—my favorite feature—makes one-handed docking and removal of your phone easy. It’s the only dock I’ve seen that has all of these characteristics, and it can even hold an iPad mini or iPad Air.

The HiRise 2 Deluxe is available in white, silver, or black, and its weighted base is large enough, at roughly 4 by 3½ inches, to keep even an iPad Air stable. A pedestal to hold your device sits in front of a taller pillar that supports the back of the phone or tablet. When assembling the HiRise, you choose whichever of three pedestal inserts puts the included Lightning cable’s plug in the best position for your device: low for a phone with no case, medium for a thin case, or high to reach into a thick case. You can also adjust the support pillar to match the thickness of your device or its case.

The HiRise, as its name implies, raises your phone—about 2 inches off the base—and angles it back slightly, allowing you to view the phone’s screen easily while it’s docked, and even to use the iPhone for FaceTime calls. Nothing sits behind your phone while it’s perched in the HiRise, so you can easily wrap your hand around the phone and use your thumb to interact with its screen. And because the HiRise doesn’t use a traditional cradle designed specifically for one phone model, you won’t have to buy a new HiRise if you upgrade to a new phone.

(A nice bonus is that you can also use the HiRise to charge other Apple accessories that use the Lightning connector, including the Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad 2, Magic Keyboard, and Pencil. Each of these sits nicely on the HiRise while charging, with no adjustment necessary.)

Finally, if you keep your iPhone in a battery case—most of which have a Micro-USB port on the bottom for charging and syncing—the HiRise Deluxe includes a matching Micro-USB cable. Swap that in place of the Lightning cable, and you can dock your battery-case-equipped iPhone. The HiRise Deluxe is the most versatile and most thoughtfully designed dock you can find.

For better or for worse, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus lack a traditional headphone jack, requiring you to use Lightning-connector or Bluetooth headphones or to rely on Apple’s Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter with traditional (3.5 mm plug) headphones. But what if you want to use your favorite wired headphones and charge your phone at the same time? Apple’s official solution—and the best one available right now—comes in the form of the iPhone Lightning Dock. Place your iPhone 7 or 7 Plus (or any other Lightning-connector iPhone) on the dock—it works with most thin cases—and you can plug your Lightning-connector charging cable and your 3.5 mm headphones into the dock itself simultaneously. We expect to see a good number of similar items from third-party vendors over the next few months, but right now this is your best option.—DF

Portable iPad stand

If you want to watch video on your iPad without holding it in your hands, to type on an external keyboard, or to use the tablet while cooking in the kitchen, you need a stand. Your favorite iPad case might double as a stand, but if not, you have scores of options for dedicated stands. The trick is to find a sturdy model that resists tipping over or shaking too badly when you tap the iPad’s screen but also makes inserting and removing the tablet easy. Ideally, it will look nice, too. And for a portable stand, it also needs to be light and packable. I’ve tested dozens of tablet stands, and a few of them impress.

For portable use, it’s tough to beat Kanex’s Foldable iDevice Stand. Although this stand weighs less than an ounce and folds flat, it offers three angles and a surprisingly sturdy design. At the most extreme lean (63 degrees from horizontal), if you tap near the top of a full-size iPad’s screen (in portrait orientation), you get some wobble, but considering the stand’s size compared with an iPad’s height, that’s impressively stable. The Foldable iDevice Stand accommodates all but the thickest iPad cases, and it also works great with an iPhone for hands-free video watching or FaceTime calls—or with a Kindle or other e-reader.

If you don’t mind having about 7 ounces of additional weight in your bag, and absorbing a higher price, Twelve South’s Compass 2 Mobile Stand is a nice upgrade. Machined from heavy-gauge steel with rubber bumpers to protect your tablet, the Compass 2 is the size of a few pens when you collapse it for travel; when you expand this model, easel-style, it offers more stability than the Kanex stand, especially with an iPad in portrait orientation. The Compass 2 is also a lot more attractive and available in multiple colors (red, black, or silver), and it offers a nifty low-angle position for on-screen typing and easier flat-on-the-desk viewing. —DF

Desktop iPad stand

If your hands-free iPad use will be mostly in one location—say, on a desk or on the kitchen counter—you can sacrifice portability for stability. Few stands are as sturdy, stable, and versatile as Heckler Design’s @Rest Universal Tablet Stand. Made of nicely painted heavy steel, the @Rest offers 30- and 60-degree viewing angles; you choose the angle and the depth of the “cradle” simply by sliding the included pegs into the correct slots on the stand, so changing the angle or tweaking the stand for a thicker case is quick and easy. Machined cable slots let you charge your iPad while it’s in the @Rest, and you can even use the @Rest with many laptops. (I’m typing this on a Bluetooth keyboard while my MacBook sits on the @Rest.) Dozens of stands have come across my desk over the past few years, but none has impressed me enough to give up the @Rest.

Of course, some people would prefer something a bit less conspicuous than the @Rest, and the Stump Stand is happy to oblige. Molded from a single piece of silicone (in a number of colors) with a metal weight inside for stability, the Stump Stand measures just 4 inches across but weighs nearly 9.5 ounces—heavy enough to hold even an iPad Air in portrait orientation with only a little wobble when you tap the screen. It accommodates most cases up to half an inch thick, and grooves in the stand provide three viewing angles: nearly upright, roughly 30 degrees from vertical, and a low position for typing on the screen. (The front of the Stump Stand even has a handy Home-button cutout.) The sticky-silicone base of the stand keeps it from moving, and it works with any tablet or phone. You can easily stash this solid stand away when you aren’t using it, and it’s even small enough to toss into your travel bag in a pinch. —DF

After sifting through the hundreds of chargers available and testing more than two dozen, we think the best USB car charger for most people and most devices is Anker’s PowerDrive 2. Packed into this tiny unit is the capability to simultaneously charge two full-size tablets at full speed. In addition, it can differentiate between kinds of devices to deliver the proper charging current to each, something not every charger can do.

Each of the PowerDrive 2’s two USB power ports can independently provide up to 2.4 amps of charging current (for a total of 4.8 amps). This means it will charge two iPads at speeds comparable to what you’d get from the fastest wall charger. Of course, it can also fast-charge any two tablets, smartphones, or any other combination of USB-powered devices. In our tests, the PowerDrive 2 stood up to every device we tried, including multiple iPhones, multiple iPads, a OnePlus One, and a Samsung Galaxy S5, charging each device at its respective top rate. And although the PowerDrive 2 is small, it isn’t so tiny that it’s difficult to remove from your car’s accessory outlet.

Compared with the competition, the PowerDrive 2 offers the best balance of power and price, and it comes from a reputable company. And while in the past you had to decide whether a second USB-charging port was worth paying extra for, the price of the two-port PowerDrive 2 is so low that you have no reason to consider a single-port model.

If you can’t find the PowerDrive 2 in stock, Scosche’s USBC242M ReVolt Dual offers the same charging capacity as the Anker model and an even smaller design, which some people may see as a benefit. It was previously our top pick, and it’s still a great choice, but we don’t think its slightly smaller size is worth the extra few dollars it usually costs.

If you’re traveling with a full car, Anker’s 9.6A / 48W 4-Port USB Car Charger should be especially helpful, as it allows up to four devices to charge at full speed simultaneously from a single accessory-power port. -NG

Bluetooth car kits

If you want Bluetooth in your car but don’t want to spend the money or time to install a new head unit, you have three options, depending on your car’s setup and whether your primary interest is in making phone calls or listening to music. If you’re fortunate enough to have a ⅛-inch aux-in port (an audio-input jack that accepts a standard ⅛-inch plug), a Bluetooth kit with an aux-in cable is the easy choice—it’s the most reliable alternative and the one that will produce the best overall sound and call quality. If you don’t have an aux-in port, the best option depends on your priorities. If you value call quality over sound, a visor-clip speakerphone is the way to go; if you care more about music and podcast sound quality than about clear calls, choose an FM transmitter. (Because these kits connect to your phone using Bluetooth, they all work with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.)

The best aux-in kit is Anker’s SoundSync Drive. It offers great sound quality while playing music, and it sounds more intelligible during phone calls than any other model we tested, thanks to Anker’s aggressive noise and echo cancellation. Its microphone produces a clearer-sounding voice on the other end, and unlike some competitors that have a permanently attached power adapter that monopolizes your car’s accessory-power jack, the SoundSync Drive works with any USB power source, such as a USB-charging port in your car or a standard USB car charger. Although we’d prefer to see this device turn on and connect automatically, the Anker’s superior voice quality and lower cost ultimately won us over. If you share a car and need to be able to pair multiple devices—say, two phones—with your Bluetooth car kit, our previous top pick, iClever’s Himbox HB01, is the best option. Its voice quality isn’t as good as that of the SoundSync Drive, but it comes with a charger, and thanks to its magnetic connection, you can remove it when you aren’t using it.

When it comes to speakerphones, Motorola’s Roadster 2 is the way to go. It’s the easiest speakerphone to use while driving, and the result comes the closest to making you feel like your car has Bluetooth-speaker features built in. It offers easy pairing, clear and crisp audio, a few native voice commands, and built-in motion sensors that can detect when you leave and reenter the car—it powers down when it detects no motion, powering up and reconnecting to your phone when you get back in. Clipping onto the car’s visor, it emits crisp, clear, and distortion-free audio, even at the highest volume setting, which is pretty darned loud. The Roadster 2 also offers the best battery life of the speakerphones we tested, with up to 20 hours of talk time and up to three weeks of standby time.

While it will work for voice calls, this FM transmitter is best suited for music streaming. The design allows you to see which station you’re tuned to and manually (but easily) find a new one if necessary.

Finally, we recommend GoGroove’s FlexSmart X2 as the best FM transmitter. It works in any car with an FM radio and an accessory-power outlet (née cigarette lighter), automatically connects with your phone when you turn on the car, and consistently provides a radio signal as strong as or stronger than any of its competitors. Plus, when we did a side-by-side comparison with a direct aux-in connection, our ears struggled to hear a difference. Most FM transmitters are only so-so at best, but the FlexSmart X2 is actually good. -NG

After conducting dozens of hours of research and hundreds of hours of real-world use, surveying more than 1,000 Wirecutter readers, and testing about 30 car mounts, we like the iOttie Easy One Touch 4, which comes in three versions. All three use essentially the same cradle to hold your phone, with the major difference being the way it mounts to your car: via the dashboard/windshield, a CD slot, or an air vent.

The plastic cradle features a large button in the middle, which when pressed with the back of your phone, triggers the arms to shut. The CD-slot and air-vent mounts hold phones with only the side arms, while the dash/windshield mount has additional “feet” at the bottom that are adjustable and removable. To remove your phone, just squeeze a pair of release bars below the holder’s arms, which is easy to do with one hand. —NG

One way to keep the kids occupied during the most boring stretches of a long car trip is to let them enjoy a movie or two on an iPad. Instead of having them hold the iPad in their lap (which tends to make them hunch over while watching), you can mount the iPad on the back of one or both front seats. After about five hours of researching and testing, we determined that Arkon’s Center Extension Car Headrest Tablet Mount is a great pick for viewing by multiple passengers, or for keeping the tablet easily accessible to a parent in the front seat. LilGadgets’ CarBuddy Universal Headrest Tablet Mount is an alternative that mounts directly to the back of one seat, so it’s limited to viewing by one set of eyes.

Both mounts attach to the metal bars of the front-seat headrests. (Note that some cars have a headrest design that doesn’t expose the bars.) The Arkon model uses a pair of adjustable clamps that tighten around the post, and its tablet cradle is located on the end of an extendable pole that you can move to a position between the car seats for viewing by all backseat passengers. The adjustable cradle can hold most 9-inch to 12-inch tablets, in or out of a case, and in portrait or landscape orientation (or anywhere in between).

The LilGadgets mount attaches directly on the back of a headrest, so only one person in the backseat—the person sitting directly behind that headrest—can view the tablet. Its two spring-loaded arms extend to grab onto opposite diagonal corners of your tablet; you tighten plastic grips around the headrest bars to secure the mount. It works with tablets from 7 to 11 inches, with or without a case, and you can rotate the holder to your desired orientation, whether that be portrait, landscape, or anything in between. -NG

When browsing our wired recommendations, you’ll want to be on the lookout for models with a three-button inline remote module with a microphone—such models are fully compatible with the specially designed headphone jack on Apple devices, so you can control music playback (play/pause, skip forward, skip back), adjust volume up and down, use the headphones for phone calls, and even give Siri voice commands. (Apple’s Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus also supports these features.) Most Bluetooth headphones have similar controls on the headphones themselves.

Not everyone needs a Bluetooth headset. But if you’re hopping on and off the phone throughout the day, or if you’re often talking on the phone while driving, the Plantronics Voyager Edge is the Bluetooth headset for you. A top-notch model with the right balance of stellar sound quality, long battery life, impressive Bluetooth range, and comfortable fit, the Voyager Edge emerged as the best Bluetooth headset for most people after we tested more than 12 models over 20 hours for our most recent update.

The Voyager Edge hits all the right notes for a Bluetooth headset. A panel of Wirecutter writers and editors agreed that its outgoing audio sounded better than that of other models we tested, and its incoming-call quality was also excellent. Although it didn’t prove to be the single most impressive model in terms of battery life or range, its performance in those categories still offered the best balance when we considered the price. And while no headset is perfect for all ears, another panel of testers said that the Voyager Edge was one of the most comfortable. -NG

Speakers

Photo: Amadou Diallo

The device originally pitched as “the best iPod ever” has only become more versatile with streaming services such as Apple Music and Spotify. And the iPad picks up where the iPhone leaves off, thanks to a huge screen that makes browsing and playing music at home even easier. Sometimes, however, you don’t want to be confined to private (read: headphone) listening—it’s great to be able to listen out loud. A terrific speaker, or set of speakers, lets you do just that.

Although “iPod docks” (and, later, iPhone-compatible speakers) have been around for more than a decade, we think having to plug your phone or tablet into your speakers to listen to music is a pain, and it ties you to your stereo or speakers for as long as you’re listening. For iPhone- and iPad-based listening, we favor wireless speakers that let you move freely about the room—or even the house—without giving up the option to change the music or volume from wherever you happen to be.

Apple device owners have two alternatives for wireless audio connectivity: Bluetooth and AirPlay. Bluetooth speakers are more common and less expensive, and they’re great if you mainly use a single device to stream music; they’re even a fine option if you regularly switch between only a couple of devices. However, if you pair two devices with the same speaker, and you use both at the same time, those devices can end up fighting over which one is actively connected to the speaker. Bluetooth range is also limited to around 30 feet for most speakers; only a few newer models provide considerably longer range (65 to 100 feet).

AirPlay uses your existing Wi-Fi network to stream audio, giving you range as long as the reach of that network. All other factors being equal, AirPlay is also capable of better sound quality than Bluetooth, and it brings less chance of “Which device is connected?” confusion: Rather than pairing specific devices to specific speakers, AirPlay lets any iOS device send audio to any AirPlay speaker on the network, on the fly, with no setup required. The downside to AirPlay is that only your Apple devices will be able to stream audio to AirPlay speakers without third-party software—various Windows and Android apps let you stream to AirPlay speakers, but Apple doesn’t officially support these apps.

(Before you consider buying a new speaker system for wireless audio at home, take a look around: If you already own a set of powered speakers or a good stereo system, and if you want to use it with your iPhone or iPad, you can simply connect it with a basic audio cable, or you can use an AirPlay or Bluetooth adapter to add wireless-stream capabilities to your existing speakers. If your existing system has separate left and right speakers, you’ll likely get much better sound quality than with a one-piece Bluetooth or AirPlay speaker system.)

We’ve exhaustively tested scores of speakers to find the best ones in each of the categories below; we update these guides regularly.

Wireless audio receivers

What if you already have a great speaker dock, or a fantastic home-stereo system, and you’d rather not buy something new? Or what if you wish that your existing audio system offered wireless connectivity? An audio receiver—Bluetooth or AirPlay—can help with that. These devices connect to your existing system to turn it into a wireless speaker, letting you stream audio from your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or computer.

Both models offer easy pairing and reliable connections to an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other Bluetooth-audio device. Each provides both analog and digital audio output, and each has range (roughly 30 feet) that should easily cover a typical living room, and possibly even an adjacent room. Bluetooth devices compress audio for wireless transmission, but both of these models support high-quality audio codecs, such as aptX and AAC, that make the most of Bluetooth’s limited bandwidth. Both also contain high-quality circuitry for converting digital signals to analog output, and NFC circuitry for easy pairing with some Android devices.

If you have higher-quality bookshelf speakers or computer speakers, the Audioengine B1 offers a big step up in audio quality, especially in dynamic range and detail, thanks to better audio circuitry (specifically, a superior digital-to-analog converter, or DAC). In fact, the B1’s DAC is so much better than the one built into your iPhone that, even taking Bluetooth compression into account, the B1 can help to produce wireless audio that sounds better than a direct connection to your iPhone’s headphone jack. And the B1 has an unbelievable 100-foot range: In our testing, it covered a 1,000-square-foot apartment, including going through a couple of walls, with no audio dropouts. —R. Matthew Ward

After 16 hours researching Bluetooth audio technology and Bluetooth receivers, we spent dozens of hours using 10 portable models, and four additional hours conducting in-depth testing. If you want to add Bluetooth connectivity to your current wired headphones—either because your phone lacks a headphone jack or because you just want to be able to listen to audio without a direct wired connection to your phone, tablet, or computer—the BlueAnt Ribbon is the best choice for most people. It’s small and lightweight, it has easy-to-use controls along with battery life comparable to that of most Bluetooth headphones, and it offers sound quality close to that of a wired connection. It is also durable and designed to clip easily to your clothing, and it charges over a standard Micro-USB cable. —RMW

You won’t find nearly as many options for stand-alone AirPlay receivers. Of the handful we tested, the best is the one that Apple makes: the AirPort Express. Even though it’s designed as a Wi-Fi access point and router, you can also use it to extend your current Wi-Fi network (Apple-based or otherwise), as well as to add AirPlay to an existing speaker system or stereo. The Express can connect via Ethernet to any network, or as a wireless extension when you use it with 2007 and later Apple routers, including other AirPort Express routers.

Once you connect the Express to your network, you simply run an audio cable from the Express’s ⅛-inch audio jack (which supports both analog and digital output) to the audio inputs on your stereo or speaker system. The Express is more expensive than the dedicated AirPlay-audio receivers we’ve tested, but compared with the kludgy setup procedures for the third-party AirPort receivers we’ve tested, Apple’s AirPort software (macOS and iOS only) makes configuring the Express for AirPlay streaming fairly easy. The Express also tends to drop connections—or randomly fail to show up in the iOS and macOS AirPlay menus—much less often than the competition. It also lets you connect a printer via USB to add wireless printing to your home.—DF

While most bands take a one-strap-fits-most approach, the TuneBand comes with both large and small bands, providing a secure and comfortable fit on a wide variety of arm sizes. What’s more, the TuneBand’s design keeps the bulk of the phone’s body from directly contacting your skin, and its open-front, silicone skin provides a secure fit for your phone while allowing for direct access to the handset’s screen and buttons (although this approach means that you can’t use another case with it).

If you also bike, a better option might be Annex’s Quad Lock Run Kit. Though the Quad Lock kit is more expensive than most armbands, there’s a good reason: The kit’s excellent case works with a wide range of mounts and accessories, including Annex’s Bike Kit, which we recommend in the next section.

If you can’t fathom strapping a huge iPhone to your arm, but you don’t want it bouncing around in your shorts pocket, the Aqua Quest Kona Pouch is a great option. Although it doesn’t give you access to the phone’s screen or buttons as an armband does, the Kona Pouch has a slim, expandable design so you won’t get teased for wearing a fanny pack. This waist-mounted pocket provides better protection against moisture than most armbands, and you won’t have to buy a new band or pouch if you change devices: It works great with phones of all sizes. —Jim McDannald

iPhone bike mount

Many cyclists track their rides using specialized apps that report ride distance, speed, and more. But these apps are a lot more useful if you can actually see them while you’re riding, which means mounting your iPhone someplace easily visible rather than keeping it in a bike-jersey pocket or a bag or pack. And despite the risk, people do use their phones for music (and other things) during rides, and it’s a lot safer for a rider to use a phone that’s visible and easily accessible than to fumble around with the device in a pocket or bag while speeding down the road.

We haven’t yet done our usual exhaustive research and testing in this category, but I tested a number of bike mounts at my previous job (as a senior editor at Macworld) and did quite a bit of personal research before buying a mount myself, and my favorite is Annex’s Quad Lock Bike Kit ($70 to $85; $30 for the mount alone if you already have a Quad Lock case). The company sells versions for iPhone models back to the 5/5s/SE.

The kit starts with the excellent Quad Lock case, which we picked as a runner-up for the best iPhone case. It has a nifty mounting interface on its back. The mount is curved to fit any stem or handlebar from 25 mm to 44 mm, and you attach it using included zip ties or O-rings. (The zip ties are a bit more stable, and recommended if you plan to keep the mount on one bike. The O-rings still offer security but let you remove the mount easily to share it between different bikes.)

Place the case on the mount, push it down, and twist it about 45 degrees, and a spring-loaded lock secures the case to the mount. It’s easy to use, and your phone won’t go anywhere until you pull a blue locking collar down with one hand and rotate the case with the other hand to release the case.

The Bike Kit includes the Quad Lock Poncho (also available separately), a water-resistant, slip-on cover that keeps your iPhone clean and dry while you’re biking in the rain but still allows you to see and use the phone’s screen and buttons.

Keyboards, styluses, and game controllers

Photo: Amadou Diallo

Stand-alone keyboard

A physical keyboard can be a boon to your productivity, as most people type more quickly and accurately on real keys than on a glass screen. However, though iPad keyboard cases are popular (and we have recommendations for some good ones below), we think many people would be better served by a stand-alone keyboard and a sturdy iPad stand. A stand-alone keyboard gives you a full-size keyboard with better keys and better ergonomics than a keyboard case. You can also still use your favorite iPad case, and you can leave the keyboard behind when you want to travel light. And if you ever upgrade your iPad, you won’t have to buy a new keyboard case. (The biggest drawback? Using a separate keyboard and stand on your lap is pretty tough.)

Our step-up pick for the best Bluetooth keyboard, the Logitech K811 Easy-Switch Keyboard, is a fantastic addition to the iPad. The relatively thin and light Easy-Switch offers great, backlit keys in a standard layout and includes a nice batch of iOS special-function keys. It can also pair with up to three devices—such as your iPad, your phone, and your computer—and let you instantly switch between them. In other words, it can serve as your main keyboard at home, but you can toss it into your bag for a trip to the coffee shop or the library. If you plan to do a lot of typing on your iPad, this is the keyboard to get. (Make sure to get the K811, not the K810; the latter is designed for Windows and Android.)

If the K811 is too pricey, or if you need a stand-alone keyboard for only occasional on-the-go typing, Logitech’s Keys-To-Go is rugged, spill-resistant, especially light, and about as thick as a binder cover. It doesn’t pair with multiple devices, and its membrane-style keys aren’t nearly as good as those on the K811, but they are full-size and well spaced, and nothing else slips into a bag or a carry-on as easily as this model.

Also great

Stand-alone iPad keyboards usually connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, but sometimes Bluetooth isn’t an option—for example, if you’re on a plane that doesn’t allow wireless signals, or if the person using the keyboard isn’t tech savvy and wouldn’t be able to deal with potential pairing or connection issues. Macally’s IKEYLTII Lightning Wired Keyboard for iPad and iPhone is a wired iPad keyboard that connects directly to the tablet’s Lightning-connector port. (A version for older 30-pin-dock-connector iPads is also available.) The keyboard draws power from the iPad, and you can quickly and easily share it among multiple iPads (and iPhones) simply by unplugging it from one and plugging it into another. The IKEYLTII has full-size keys in a standard layout, a bunch of iOS special-function keys, and even dedicated keys for undo, redo, taking a screenshot, and typing €, £, ¥, .com, .net, .org, and .biz. —Dan Frakes, Kimber Streams

Photo: Amadou Diallo

Keyboard case

If you almost always want an iPad keyboard with you, and if you don’t mind carrying the added bulk, an iPad keyboard case is the way to go. It combines a (usually somewhat cramped) Bluetooth keyboard with a protective case, letting you work laptop-style wherever you go. You usually give up the better typing experience of a stand-alone iPad keyboard and the lighter weight of an unencumbered iPad, but you gain convenience and (usually) good protection.

I’ve tested well over 100 keyboard cases over the past few years, and the best one for people committed to iPad productivity is Belkin’s Qode Ultimate Pro Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2. It isn’t cheap, but it is the most versatile and complete keyboard case available. For starters, it has a good keyboard with all the keys in the right places, which can’t be said for most models. The keys are backlit, which is useful in a dimly lit lecture hall, and the keyboard pairs with two devices, so you can use it with your smartphone, too.

But it’s the Qode Ultimate Pro’s versatility that makes it our top pick. Unlike most iPad keyboard cases, it lets you use your iPad in landscape or portrait orientation, with the latter especially useful when you’re working on documents or taking notes, and you can position the iPad at either of two angles. And while most models make it difficult to remove the iPad when you don’t need the keyboard, the Qode Ultimate Pro’s protective top case easily detaches from the keyboard, letting you bring just the iPad with you. Even better, that top case is a perfect fit for Apple’s Smart Cover, so you can keep your iPad completely protected. The oddly placed Siri button can be easy to press accidentally, and sometimes Belkin’s battery-conservation feature causes the keyboard to go to sleep too quickly, but none of the keyboard cases I’ve tested match the Qode Ultimate Pro in flexibility. (Belkin makes a less-expensive model, the Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case—without the “Pro” in its name—but I don’t recommend that one.)

If $100-plus is too rich for your blood, Logitech’s Type+ Protective Case with Integrated Keyboard for iPad Air 2 is a more-affordable alternative. You lose the Qode’s backlit keyboard, multiple prop-up angles, portrait-orientation option, and detachable case, but the Type+ is nevertheless a solid keyboard case. Its folio-style design provides an impressive amount of protection, yet it’s thinner than most all-over-protection competitors. It has very good keys in a good layout, and it provides a nice array of dedicated iOS-special-function keys. And when you don’t need to use the keyboard, a seam in the top cover lets you fold the iPad over the keyboard to hold it tablet-style. Removing your iPad from the Type+ case is also quick and easy. We think the Qode Ultimate Pro is better for serious typists and productivity fiends, but everyone else will likely be satisfied with the Type+.

As with other iPads, you can use any stand-alone Bluetooth keyboard with the iPad Pro—and you might want to, given that an iPad Pro with a keyboard case is heavier than some MacBooks. But if you must have a keyboard that attaches to your iPad Pro, we think Apple’s own Smart Keyboard for 12.9-inch iPad Pro and Smart Keyboard for 9.7-inch iPad Pro are the best currently available, because they offer a pretty good typing experience in a slim and relatively light package that’s easy to put on and take off.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is quite a bit bigger and heavier than Apple’s other tablets, and adding a bulky keyboard case can make it a bit awkward to hold. But if you want a keyboard case (say, for typing on your lap), rather than a separate keyboard, Apple’s Smart Keyboard for 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the best yet available. It adds significantly less weight and bulk than other options, but just as important, it’s easy to put on and take off thanks to a Smart Cover–like magnetic hinge that—via the Pro’s new Smart Connector—also powers the keyboard and connects it directly to the iPad (no Bluetooth required). Its keys aren’t the best we’ve tested, and you’ll need to buy Apple’s Silicone Case for all-over protection, but it’s the keyboard case we keep reaching for … so far.

The smaller, 9.7-inch iPad Pro has its own version of the Smart Keyboard, and that Smart Keyboard for 9.7-inch iPad Pro is currently our pick for the tablet. (Keyboard cases for the iPad Air 2 will fit the 9.7-inch Pro, but using such a case is not without drawbacks.) The 9.7-inch Smart Keyboard uses the same design and keys as the 12.9-inch version, but the keys are a little smaller and closer together. The 9.7-inch Smart Keyboard is appealing compared with other options because it weighs just 8 ounces, measures only a few millimeters thick, and is easy to put on and take off. As with the larger version, you must separately buy Apple’s Silicone Case for all-over protection, but until more options are available, the Smart Keyboard is your best bet if you must have a keyboard case for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

As for keyboard cases for the iPad mini, we’re testing models so we can make a recommendation, but even the best ones aren’t great: The iPad mini is so small that any keyboard that matches the tablet’s footprint simply makes too many compromises in terms of a cramped layout and tiny, missing, and relocated keys. Instead, we recommend buying a stand-alone keyboard and either an iPad mini case with a stand or a dedicated iPad stand. —DF

The Mark’s triangular anodized body fits in your hand as perfectly as a grade-school pencil, and it writes smoothly on the iPad’s screen without offering too much or too little resistance. As cartoonist and designer Rich Stevens told us, “For the cost of a pizza, it’s definitely worth doing some drawing with it.” The Mark’s balance in the hand is impeccable, and the stylus really proved itself during our speed and precision tests: The weight of its body is nicely distributed, so you can hold it like a normal pencil and avoid rubbing your palm on the screen.

If our main pick is sold out, you’re looking for a great option for kids, or you want a thicker stylus body, we highly recommend Studio Neat’s Cosmonaut. Its thick, rubber body feels great in the hand whether you’re 6 or 60, and it has surprisingly good precision for a large-tipped rubber stylus. It’s also one of the most durable styluses we’ve ever tested, and it’s popular among Wirecutter staff.

If you own an iPad Pro, plan to do a lot of writing and drawing, and have the cash to spare, the Apple Pencil is the best stylus in its class. It blows away both Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth competitors, thanks to systemwide integration with the iPad Pro’s hardware, and it has low latency, excellent palm rejection, and flawless pressure sensitivity. Its main drawback is that it currently works only with the iPad Pro. —Serenity Caldwell

Game controller

iOS has become a serious gaming platform, but some game genres—such as platformers and first-person shooters—don’t lend themselves to a touchscreen’s relative inaccuracy and lack of tactile feedback. If you’re a fan of those genres, a game controller that looks much like the kind of controller you’d use for an Xbox or PlayStation is an appealing option. Playing iOS games using an Apple-certified MFi (for “Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod”) controller can make titles with frustrating controls fun, or elevate games you’re already enjoying to console-like heights, particularly when you hook your iOS device up to a TV via an HDMI adapter. MFi controllers also work with the current (2015, 4th-generation) Apple TV, turning the Apple TV into a legitimate gaming option.

Unfortunately, using an MFi controller has some drawbacks. First, such devices tend to be a lot more expensive than you’d expect—even compared with similarly designed (and sometimes higher quality) console controllers—likely in part because of the circuitry and process required to gain that MFi certification. Second, even though Apple added support for iOS game controllers years ago, developer support remains spotty: Adding controller compatibility is typically an afterthought for most iOS game developers, and even if a developer gives a game such compatibility, the developer rarely tests the feature beyond just making sure the game works with whatever MFi controllers happen to be on hand. Finally, the App Store doesn’t provide any way to search for or browse games that have controller support; instead, you need to carefully read each app’s description in the store or visit third-party websites for lists of compatible games. (AfterPad maintains a list of controller-compatible games.)

If, after reading those caveats, you still want a game controller, the Steel Series Nimbus Wireless Gaming Controller is the best one out there—unless you play games only on an iPhone. (If so, see the next pick.) We say this after testing at least a dozen models over the past few years. The Nimbus feels solid, is comfortable over long gaming sessions, and has the best set of buttons of any controller, offering fantastic analog sticks and ABXY, trigger, and shoulder buttons, along with good d-pads. Unlike most controllers, which use AA or AAA batteries, the Nimbus has a built-in rechargeable battery that charges via Lightning connector, so you can use the same cable and charger you already have for your iPhone or iPad. Steel Series rates the battery life at 40 hours of use on a charge; while we haven’t done formal battery testing, we regularly go a couple of months without having to charge the Nimbus.

The only real downside to the Nimbus is that if you play a lot of games on your iPhone, the Nimbus doesn’t have a cradle to hold the phone. If you need that, see the next pick.

If you play games only on the iPhone, and you want something that holds your iPhone while you play, your best bets are the Mad Catz C.T.R.L.i Mobile Gamepad and the Mad Catz Micro C.T.R.L.i Mobile Gamepad. Each uses two AAA batteries to provide upwards of 40 hours of playtime, connects to your device using Bluetooth, and features a lightweight, plastic, screw-on cradle to hold your iPhone or iPod touch while playing. (You can remove the cradle when using the controller with an iPad.) The company also offers an iOS app that displays the controller battery level and lets you manage firmware updates. The only difference between the standard C.T.R.L.i and the Micro C.T.R.L.i is that the latter is slightly smaller: If you have larger hands and prefer larger controllers, grab the C.T.R.L.i. If you have smaller hands, or if you want something a bit smaller for easier packing, go for the Micro C.T.R.L.i.

Apple’s MFi process guarantees that all certified controllers have the same game compatibility, the same capabilities, and roughly the same control layout, so you won’t find many functional differences between these models and any other MFi controller. (Technically, controllers can have one of two possible button layouts, Standard or Extended, but most recent controllers use the latter.) If you’re not wild about paying $50 to $60, MFi controller deals seem to pop up regularly online. With some patience, or the willingness to pick up a refurbished unit, you can get an MFi controller for around $40. —Eli Hodapp, TouchArcade.com; Dan Frakes

Photography

Photo: Erin Lodi

Selfie stick

Although selfie sticks are frequently mocked, our testing proved them to be genuinely useful at times. When you’re taking a photo of yourself—whether solo or with friends or loved ones—a selfie stick lets you get your phone farther away than your arm can, thus avoiding the “head filling the shot” look and giving you more control over how much of the background appears in your image. And while an extended arm is often visible in a selfie, a properly positioned selfie stick isn’t. With a bit of practice, you can get the kinds of photos that might otherwise require you to hand your phone to a stranger.

Selfie sticks are commodity products, however. When we researched and tested them for our guide in early 2015, we found that a good number of them were the same thing simply rebadged by whatever brand was selling them as its own. Though we picked some good options for that guide, they seem to go in and out of stock regularly, so rather than continue to recommend specific models, we have some advice on what to look for when you’re shopping.

In general, choose a stick that collapses to a very short length but extends to a relatively long length—that is, look for something that’s 12 inches or less when collapsed, and more than 40 inches long when extended. Such a design makes the stick easier to carry around but gives you the greatest flexibility when you’re shooting.

Most of the cradles that hold the phone are the same, but we recommend picking something with good adjustability, so if you ever get a bigger (or smaller!) phone, you won’t have to buy a new selfie stick. We also recommend models that physically connect to your phone by plugging into the headphone jack—they’re much easier to set up, they’re much more reliable, and they don’t require a separate battery. (If you’re using a phone without a headphone jack, such as the iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, a Bluetooth selfie stick is your only real option, unless you want to use Apple’s Lightning-to-headphone-jack adapter to connect the selfie stick to the phone’s Lightning-connector port.)

Lens upgrades and lens systems

The iPhone currently reigns as the most popular camera overall on Flickr, proving how remarkable the iPhone is as a portable and connected camera. But if you’ve ever found yourself wishing that “the camera that’s always with you” included a wider-angle view or a telescopic option, a lens attachment can help you get a lot more out of that built-in camera. Most modern lenses will work on iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, and 8 Plus models, although the kind of lens you need depends on whether you consider yourself to be a serious smartphone photographer, a casual sharpshooter, or somewhere in between.

For avid smartphone shooters who want to enhance their photography, the Moment New Tele Lens and Moment New Wide Lens are still the best choices of the more than 40 different lenses we’ve tested since 2015. The Moment lenses stand out from the competition by offering excellent image quality, portability, and a reasonable price for good glass. The lenses do require the additional purchase of a Moment phone case, but other than that, they’re incredibly easy to mount and dismount. Though we used to prefer caseless lens systems, the Moment cases are stylish and protective enough that we still think they’re worth it. Currently, cases are available for iPhones 6 through X, as well as Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and Google’s Pixel and Pixel 2 lines.

Moment’s lenses are thick and heavy, but that heft is more than worth it for the reliable mounting system and far superior optics. Our test photographs with the lenses came out crisp and clear, with little to no distortion, vignetting, or color problems. The Moment app for iOS offers some neat features such as a timer and independent exposure and focus controls, as well as RAW photo capabilities. The company also offers additional accessory kits from multiple lens cases to wrist and neck straps to phone cases with built-in shutter buttons, and more. These innovative options are particularly reassuring if you’re looking to invest in a forward-adaptable system that’s already changing fast.

Not everyone is willing to invest $100 or more and buy a dedicated new phone case in pursuit of iPhone photography. For the more casual shooter who’s still looking to up their game, we recommend Olloclip’s Core Lens Set, which features three lens options that easily slide over the top of your smartphone, for the same price as one of the basic Moment lenses. With options for wide-angle, fish-eye, or macro lenses, the Olloclip set is a portable and versatile choice for someone looking to experiment with their iPhone photography. Unlike the Moment lenses, the Olloclip lenses tend to show some slight blurring or other distortion around the edges of the image, but that shouldn’t be a huge problem for most curious hobbyists.

If you’re looking for an even more affordable option to play around with, Amir’s 3-in-1 Clip-on Cell Phone Camera Lens Kit is a solid choice, with wide-angle, fish-eye, and macro lenses. The darkening and softening around the frame of the image tend to be more pronounced, but it’s a fair trade-off for the price if you’re just jazzing up your Facebook posts. The Ztylus Switch 6 is another great budget choice for iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus.

Tripods for your iPhone

As powerful a camera as your iPhone may be, you can’t always hold it when taking photos—or hold it steady enough for the perfect low-light photo, time-lapse shot, or slow-motion video. Just as with a “real” camera, a tripod can hold your iPhone steady to get that perfect result.

As with standard-size tripods and travel tripods, we considered both the legs and the mounting method for smartphone tripods. The legs must be sturdy and capable of stably supporting the weight of the camera, while the mount must hold the camera securely while still allowing positional adjustments. We gave extra credit to smartphone mounts that can work on their own as a makeshift stand.

We recommend combining the Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit with the Square Jellyfish Metal Spring Tripod Mount for a legs-mount combination that’s compact, strong, supportive, and useful in just about any situation. The Joby is small enough to throw into a backpack but strong enough to hold any smartphone (and even lighter cameras) steady. And the Square Jellyfish collapses down to the size of a set of keys but can grip even a Plus-size iPhone tightly—and if you don’t have the Joby with you, the Square Jellyfish can even prop up the camera on its own. If you already own a tripod, the Square Jellyfish is a handy addition to your camera bag in case you want to attach your phone.

If you want a smaller tripod mount that collapses to the size of a large car key, but doesn’t offer as much free-standing support to your smartphone, the Joby GripTight Mount is the smallest mount we found that’ll hold most phones securely.

If you’re not a smartphone-photography fanatic but you want a tripod toy to play with on occasion, the universal smartphone mount and flexible tripod leg combo from ChargerCity is a fine option. It isn’t as stable or supportive with Plus-size iPhones, and it may tip over at extreme angles, but at half the price of the Joby legs and Square Jellyfish mount together, it’s fine for experimenting.

We’ve seen a few other products that serve a similar function, but of the models we tested, the Square Jellyfish model is the easiest to attach to a phone, and it allows for a quick flip from landscape to portrait orientation. Other models we looked at, including the Glif and the DaVoice Cell Phone Tripod Adapter, can support a smartphone only at an angle. —EL

Camera adapters for iPad

In the early days of the iPad, many people relied on stand-alone cameras without Wi-Fi for most of their photography. While many of those folks have since switched to smartphones for a majority of their photo shooting, some people still need a way to get images and video from a camera to an iPad over a physical connection. Apple’s own options are the only real way to go here: The company hasn’t permitted other vendors to make MFi-licensed alternatives, and the uncertified third-party options all receive poor reviews. (The following adapters work only with iPads, unfortunately.)

Apple’s Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader is a simple dongle that plugs into the Lightning-connector port of any recent iPad. The other end has a slot for standard-size SD cards. Insert a memory card, and a gallery of its contents appears on the iPad’s screen, letting you transfer any or all of the pictures to the Photos app on your tablet.

The Lightning to USB Camera Adapter works similarly, but instead of an SD card slot, it provides a standard USB port, allowing you to connect your camera to your iPad using the camera’s own USB cable and then import photos and videos from the camera to the iPad. However, this adapter has some additional, if unsupported, functionality: It also lets you connect several other types of USB accessories, including wired keyboards (both the kind for typing and the kind for music), microphones, flash drives, or even an iPhone—though only devices with low power draws will work. Again, this is an unsupported feature, so your mileage may vary, but it does work well with many items. -NG, DF

Extra storage: iOS thumb drives

For better or for worse, iPhones and iPads lack both a standard USB port and expandable storage. If you need to be able to access more video, music, or other files than your device can hold, or if you’d like a quick and easy way to make a local (read: not iCloud) backup of photos and other content, your best option is an iOS-compatible flash drive. These accessories have a standard USB Type-A connector on one side and a Lightning-connector plug on the other, letting you plug them into both your computer and your iOS device. They also come with iOS apps for transferring and backing up data. After testing eight such drives, we’ve found that the best model for most people is Transcend’s JetDrive Go 300, which is available in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB capacities.

When researching drives, we ruled out models that don’t support USB 3.0 transfer speeds—the difference in price is minimal (some USB 2.0 models were actually more expensive than some USB 3.0 models), and USB 3.0 makes transferring a bunch of photos or videos to or from your computer much faster than USB 2.0. We also dismissed drives that won’t let you connect to an iPhone or iPad in a case; although not everyone puts their phone or tablet in a case, we wanted a drive that everyone can use. This process left us with six models to test further. We ran speed tests on both the Lightning and USB connectors, using an iPhone 6s Plus (with plenty of free storage space) and a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro, respectively. On the Mac, we used Blackmagic Design’s Disk Speed Test to measure read and write speeds. Across three test runs, the JetDrive Go 300 had the highest average write speed, at 41 MB/s, along with the second highest read speed, at 119.7 MB/s. (Emtec’s iCobra was a bit faster, reaching 130.7 MB/s, when reading data.)

Because iOS offers no way to measure read and write speeds, we had to rely on manual testing to assess performance when each drive was connected to our test iPhone. Each company provides its own app for working with and moving data, so we used each drive’s app to copy a 3.6GB video file to and from the drive multiple times, timing each transfer. The JetDrive Go 300 wasn’t the fastest in either test (copying data to or from the drive), but its performance was around the average of all drives for each; in no scenario was it the slowest for Lightning-connector transfers. We also found Transcend’s app relatively easy to navigate—the drives with faster Lightning-connector performance had more-confusing apps. (The more expensive JetDrive Go 500 has the same features as our pick but comes in a sleeker package.)

Transcend’s free JetDrive Go app is one of the simplest to use among those we tested. It presents all its features in an easy-to-navigate layout, rather than using the convoluted menu systems of some of the competition. You can easily see what’s on the JetDrive Go 300 and what’s on your phone, play your media, and even automatically back up your device’s camera roll.

Our first sample of the JetDrive Go 300 failed on the USB end. A second unit hasn’t had similar issues over extended testing, and we haven’t seen user complaints about such a problem, so we’re fairly confident that our initial drive’s failure was a rare occurrence.

If the JetDrive Go 300 goes out of stock or jumps in price, we like SanDisk’s iXpand as an alternative. Its app crashed a couple of times during our video-transfer tests, which was frustrating, but it was a full minute faster than any other model at copying data over USB 3 to the iPhone, and its app was the easiest to use.

I’m really interested in the ‘Bluetooth Receiver’ category. Any possibility of fleshing

this out as a separate entity. It seems like all the testing and research has already been done, so maybe it just needs to be written up. HELP! There is so little out there on this topic and this would really be useful. If you could just list the receivers you tested – that would help. Thanks,

I’d hardly call the Logitech Harmony 650 remote “simple to use”. The set-up routine alone involves a unique, not-supplied, cable for connecting to your computer, plus a visit to Logitech’s DEEP web app, which took me over an hour to figure out and use the first time. There are so many options that I had to revisit the site several times to actually get the behavior promised from the specs, each time requiring recalling or looking up all the arcane menus and check boxes; who can remember this kind of stuff when not doing it every day? And then the thing is constantly forgetting its commands. It even has a bunch of built-in routines it steps you through when the button presses don’t do what they’re supposed to do (“Did that fix it? Yes or No. Now is it fixed?”). “FIxed” behaviors typically last about a month before rebreaking. Finally after about 8 months of use it got so confused, switching to the “Are all devices off now? Yes or No” screen after every button push, regardless of function, that I just dragged out the dedicated remotes for each device and tossed the Logitech, rather than face hauling out the manual and figuring out once again how to reprogram it. WHAT a relief to FINALLY have REALLY “simple to use” remotes again, even if they each only work with their intended device.

Setup processes & ease of use are different for everyone. What is simple to me might not be for someone else, and vice versa. Overall, we feel that the setup is easy for how much the Harmony does & how feature-rich it is. Thanks for the feedback though!

alarmclocktothestars

The cable was included. And it’s a micro-USB. Not anything proprietary. To be blunt, the fact that you didn’t recognize the cable leads me to believe that you’re not very good with tech, which is probably explains more of your issues with the remote than any inherent problems with the remote.

I bring my iPad + the Logitech easySwitch around with me a lot, so a good, portable stand is a valuable commodity to me. Right now, I have two stands: the TwelveSouth Tripod that you mentioned, as well as this Anker: ( amazon link: http://tinyurl.com/onpxk2b ).. That said, I have a question(#1) and a comment(#2):

#1: Did you try out the Anker? I’m curious how it compares to the Kanex. The Kanex seems like it’s a bit more portable, but only just barely. The Kanex appears to have only a single protrusion for the iPad rest…so shaped a bit like a “J”, whereas the Anker has opposing protrusions on each end: one for the rest, one for the adjustable hinge (more like an “S”). That said, it’s still pretty portable. I’m curious how much more or less portable it is next to the Kanex. The Anker does seem very stable…which leads me to my next point:

#2 I’m not sure if the Kanex is somehow a lot less stable than the somewhat similar Anker stand that I am using, but I find Anker’s “small, rigid square” stand to be a lot more stable than the TwelveSouth tripod. I love the tripod, don’t get me wrong, and it’s very stable if you are pressing the iPad in the middle of the screen. But try tapping in the upper left or right corners of the screen (in either orientation) and you should notice there’s a significant risk of knocking the iPad out of the stand. Given the large number of controls in the upper rights and lefts (numerous back arrows and menu options) this is not a rare risk. The Anker stand, on the other hand, provides a more stable experience…even in portrait.

I typically use my TwelveSouth for traveling (both for portability and the extra fun at TSA checkpoints) and the Anker around the house. If I expect to be doing a lot of screen interaction while traveling (playing a game or using a tap-intensive app) I will sometimes bring the Anker with me…but the TwelveSouth is generally easier to pack.

danfrakes

I did test the Anker stand. It’s roughly comparable to the Kanex in terms of stability — probably a bit more so. But it’s quite a bit bulkier and heavier than the Kanex. I haven’t found anything nearly as small and light as the Kanex that provides similar stability.

sigma8

Thanks for the response and the info. I may have to pick one of those up. If I do, I’ll post an update to where it falls on the stability continuum (above or below the 12so tripod). I don’t think I’d stop carrying the tripod…apart from packability, it just looks classy. Also: pretty sure it could be used defensively in a pinch. It’s pretty solid. Of all the things I could criticize the TSA for, asking to get a better look at that thing is not one of them!

Fay Brit

Does this apple watch stand have a style that doesn’t slide?

danfrakes

Sorry, I’m not sure what you’re asking. Could you explain?

Komrad

Do you mean that it weighs enough to stay still? Or if it has an adhesive to keep it from moving ?

justaguy

For MFi controller support in iOS games (more than 800 games already) and reviews of controllers there is afterpad.com

Also, in my opinion, the best game controller for iOS is Hori Horipad.

Andrew Hoch

If one was to buy the Incipio NGP Case for the iPhone 6/6s, they would be leaving the vulnerable glass display completely exposed. Therefore, what stand-alone screen protector does the WC staff recommend as the best as a complement to an iPhone case?

danfrakes

We’ll be looking at screen protectors for a future update. That said, few of us on staff use them: Today’s iPhone glass is much more scratch resistant than in the past; a screen protector shows oil and fingerprints much more than the iPhone’s oleophobic glass; and an impact hard enough to *crack* the glass will likely still crack the glass with a film protector on. There are a few protectors made of glass that seem to be a bit better; we’ll be testing those.

Robert

Screen protectors I have used haven’t really shown fingerprints or oil. And I know plenty of people who have dropped their phones with a screen protector and the screen protector shattered or tore but the display underneath remained unscathed. I think screen protectors are pretty great and a necessary buy to protect a $650 + device. But that’s just my opinion. I hope you guys can look more into screen protectors I’d really like to see your guys’ research, testing, and conclusions.

danfrakes

To be fair, there’s no way of knowing whether the display itself would have gotten scratched or broken, just because the screen protector did: Today’s phone screens are *much* harder than any screen protector on the market, so — funny enough — they’re much less likely to be damaged than a screen protector you’re using to protect them with 😉

That said, as I mentioned, we’re going to test them for a future update.

Bruce Fairbanks

Hello there. What I’m seeking was not mentioned in your guide, unless I missed it. I want a good quality over-the-ear wired headset for my iPhone 5S. The “old fashioned” kind with a boom mic that I can use to make phone calls with my phone. I’m not a fan of using ear buds for that and, for long calls, holding the phone up to your ear is a pain. Any ideas?

We have a guide for an office headset, but I don’t believe we have any picks for this. Will have to check with our experts but nothing immediately comes to mind.

danfrakes

Most of the headphones we picked, especially the wired ones, have a built-in microphone. These inline mics aren’t as good as one on a “professional” headset, but with most of them, it’s plenty good enough for phone calls.

The big thing is that the Apple TV has only optical-digital audio out, so you can’t use it with the vast majority of speakers out there; the AirPort Express has both digital and analog output.

Also, at the time we were putting together the guide, the Apple TV and AirPort Express were each $99. Now that the Apple TV is less expensive, it’s a better bet for people who have a speaker with optical-digital audio input, but most people will still want the Express for this purpose.

brontide

MadCatz seems to be selling the controllers on Amazon for $10 less than their own site now.

In the Apple Watch charging stand category, have you had a chance to check out and/or review Bluelounge’s Kosta Charging Coaster? 9to5mac had a (mostly) positive review of the device and it rings in at a reasonable $15 with free shipping.

Thanks again, Dan! On the topic of Watch charging, the Nomad Pod Pro is a tempting upgrade from the Pod for the built-in dual-charging capability and the Pro doubling as power bank / external battery pack. What do you think about Nomad’s Pod Pro? How much of a premium is it worth?

danfrakes

The Pro is another $30 for an additional 4200mAh. It works well (we’ve tested it), but that’s about enough to charge an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus once with a bit left over. If you really like the Pod, you might consider instead spending the additional $30 on our favorite portable travel battery, which will give you four times as much juice. It’s a bit more to pack, but that combination will let you charge your phone and watch for several days: https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-usb-battery-packs/#bagpick

Good to know, thanks, Dan. Thought about getting the Pro primarily as a charger for home (would that be a bad idea?) and then use it while traveling (in addition to our portable charger that was recommended by the Wirecutter). Thoughts?

danfrakes

Do you need a battery for your home charger? It’s really intended for travel use, where you’ll be out of reach of AC outlets. Though I don’t see a *problem* using it at home 😉

How much does it weigh? Can I easily remove the watch from it with one hand ? Does it come with it’s own charging cable for the watch? Does it support nightstand modeThese are the things that won me over to the Apple magnetic charging stand .

With Apple’s “first-party” bands coming in at steep prices, it would be great to see a deep-dive on third-party bands, especially the low-end rubber bands and leather loops that pair well with the entry-level Watch Sport model. What are the odds of such a write-up popping up in the coming months?

Just returned my second HiRise Deluxe, and will change to another product. The cable is cheap, and failed both times. From my experience in using with an iPhone 6+ Id stay away in contrast to the recommendation

danfrakes

Can you give us a few more details? We’ve been using multiple units for many months with no cable issues, but we’d like to see if there’s something we’ve missed. Where did it fail, and is your setup putting any kind of abnormal stress on the cable?

rogobot

Dan,

I would think your experience is better 🙂
iPhone 6+ with Apple case (open on bottom) using cable clip 1 (or whatever the smallest one is). First one started gettting the error message about uncertified cable after a week. I took the assembly apart and used just the same cable with the same result so returned hopeful that one bad cable or user error.
2nd stand I didnt even put the stand together, just used the cable as it was, plugged into the same Anker USB wall charger (WC recommend) that had a Monoprice cable in for months. Before ever getting to the stand, the HiRise cable failed. i thought Id just use one of my existing cables but the case around the lighting connecton is too large to fit through the opening in the dock, so back went the 2n HiRise.
As you point out in the revew, I really like the way the stand stands up , overall ease of use and ergonomics, etc.
But if its going to be a charging dock, it should charge.
Could all be user error of course, or a bad batch of cable, but after 2 tries Im done with this product

Twelve South

Hi!
I wanted to reach out to you from Twelve South to apologize for the experience you had with our products. Your feedback is very important to us. It is very unusual that a customer would have received two lightening cables that were faulty. If this was purchased from us or an authorized dealer we absolutely would have replaced these for you. In the future, if you ever have a problem with one of our products, we’d love to have the opportunity to assist so please call us at 800-858-1276 and one of our amazing customer service reps will be happy to help.
Thanks so much!
Twelve South

rogobot

Hi Twelve south

Thanks for the kind response. I bought via Amazon, who was great on return and eventual refund. as I mentioned in the original post, whether its a product defect or user error, 2 tries is enough of my time for a stand, so Ill move to a different solution. Loved the stand, but the hassle of trouble-shooting the cable, returns, etc not worth it for something that should just work.

Great question! The most info I could find was via a Reddit post, citing 9to5Mac – Apple hasn’t released their certification program. This was from about 6 months ago. I guess it’s entirely possible that Apple uses some type of proprietary wiring, and maybe due to the parts the $30 price point isn’t something others find to be competitive enough. Something to keep an eye on though. Odd that we’ve not seen the market flooded with them by now.

Yasmine Washington

Great love this! I would say my fav is the Lumiy Lightblade or Lumiy Lightline LED desk lamp. Perfectly matches the apple gear and has ports for charging my iphone, apple watch and everything.

Komrad

Warning , The tech matte magnetic grip does not work with iPhone 6 Plus with case. This was verified With the manufacturer.

danfrakes

FWIW, several Wirecutter staffers have been using the TechMatte mount with an iPhone 6/6s Plus in a case for many months. If it’s a thin case, you can place the included metal plate inside the back of the case. If it’s a thicker case, you can adhere the metal plate to the outside of the case. (I personally use the mount with a 6s Plus in Apple’s silicone case. I have the metal plate on the outside of the case, and over the past 6 months or so, the phone has never fallen off the mount.)

carmin

For the iphone battery case , i had a MFi iphone battery case with patent design, 3500mAh capacity ,build in stand and dock structure design for charging freely, 1mm higher bezel for protecting my iphone screen, and there is an micro SIM card box for storage my spare SIM card. I thought it is better than this anker battery case.It is funtional then this anker battery case.And it has competitive price. I bought it with an discount, it is worthy to buy. I can use it on the go.I like my battery case.

marilyn_gorman

I usually get paid approximately 6 thousand-8 thousand bucks on monthly basis working on the internet. For everybody eager to finish basic freelance tasks for few hours /day from ease of your home and make decent checks while doing it… Test this invitation http://chilp.it/8d93f4b

Bryce Haymond

Another fitness armband to try that is very similar to the TuneBand is the HandStands ELASTIX Armband. The unique thing about this armband is that the patented silicone case is elastic, and stretches to fit ANY phone, not just iPhone. So it is universal. You can keep the same armband as you change or upgrade your phone. It also only comes with one size elastic velcro strap that stretches to fit any size arm. https://www.amazon.com/Handstands-Elastix-Exercise-Armband-Compatible/dp/B01997POWS

You can’t do much with the iPhone or iPad stands mentioned here. I would go for a more functional but cheaper stand from Amazon http://amzn.to/2m0QQYn I say cheaper coz it comes with free shipping and a 50% discount with this promo code BWFNHNHU

Last month, I have bought my first iPhone as a form of iPhone X. So it’s important to protect my precious device. And that’s why I purchased Spigen ultra hybrid S iPhone X case, this is great case to protect and show off your iPhone original look. I loved it.

Amanda Barrett

Guys! I bought the Belkin Qode Ultimate Pro Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2 on your recommendation and it is Falling. Apart. As. I. Type. The rubber bits have peeled off, but more important, the keyboard worked for about 7 minutes. I am annoyed and disappointed because this was your Number 1 recommendation. You broke my heart, Wirecutter.

Charity Books

Do you have a recommendation for an AUX cable (looking for a 3.5mm cable to connect iPhone 5s &/or iPod to 3.5mm car jack to listen to music, but interested in any AUX cable to play music through). I can’t find any info on what is important to have in order to have quality audio through this “old school” type of connection.